Sheep producer Margaret Magruder at the beach in her favorite coyote pelt coat.

There seems to be something satisfying about a sheep producer (Margaret Magruder) being able to wear a coat made of predators pelts (coyote). But, barefoot in the surf at the beach?

Well it was January and she was searching for hand blown (signed and numbered) glass floats on the beach in Lincoln City. Did she find one? Yes, yes she did.

They put them out every weekend and will now through Memorial Day – and – it’s Finders Keepers – smile.

Luv
Sissy

Eleanor Kramer stands with her redheaded mermaid in front of Eleanor's Undertow and Takeout restaurant on the west end of 51st Street in LIncoln City.

Eleanor Kramer, can look down 51st Street and see the house where her great grandmother lived. She’s also not far from the one-room Slab Creek grade school where as the only girl among nine boys, she went to school. And she still lives on the Salmon River where her grandparents homesteaded in 1908.
Eleanor has had a vested interest in 51st Street. She worked as an assistant manager for Mo’s for five years and with Mo Niemi’s blessing, she opened Eleanor’s Undertow and Take Out Restaurant at the west end of 51st Street.
Lincoln City’s 51st Street
The area now known as 51st Street used to be called Taft. A recent urban renewal project inspired a return to its original charm and the merchants and the city responded with enthusiasm. 51st Street, positioned on the north side of Siletz Bay and the ocean, has become a magnet for those seeking nourishment and respite.
Foodies, artisans and beach combers delight
For the foodie, there is Mo’s clam chowder, Eleanor’s fish and chips, Captain Dan’s Pirate pastries, Shuckers Oyster Bar, Snug Harbor Bar and Grill, the Beach Dog Café’s biscuits and gravy – the list goes on.
The artisan can blow a glass float at the Jennifer Sear’s Glass Foundry, create a fusion art masterpiece at nearby Mor-Art or buy from a variety of artists whose finished works fill nearby galleries.
Float fairies hide 60 numbered and signed hand-blown floats each weekend between Labor Day and Memorial Day for the beach comber to discover. On special weekends you might even find some glass sand dollars and Japanese floats tucked here and there between the high tide line and the bluffs. It’s a one stop, everything-in-one-place place for singles, families and groups.
Taft’s famous red head
Eleanor, who can talk from experience about being one of the famous red head beauty contestants in the 1940s, the upcoming sand castle contest in August, catching crabs and bird-watching in Siletz Bay or beach combing, also chats easily about 51st Street’s future. The idea for the beautiful flower baskets hanging from the gas-style lamp posts was hers. If you haven’t taken a summer stroll down 51st Street to see them, you must do so.
For more information, contact Lincoln City Visitors and Convention Bureau at 1-800-452-2151, or visit www.oregoncoast.org or www.taftbeach.com.

Luv,

Sissy

P.S. Tell Eleanor that Sissy sends her love – smile.

… This video is either going to make you happy seeing the good time you had or make you more determined to go next year. Enjoy!

Love Sissy

… that behaves well enough to travel with their owner. I was curious about how to travel with your dog. So, I called the Lucky Leash Lady and found out some things.

The Lucky Leash Lady said:
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are current and carry a copy of the record with you. If your dog takes medications, make sure you have enough to last the trip
• Find out where the vet and the emergency animal care facilities are and map out how to get there
• Bring some of your dog’s comfort toys to play with
• Bring plenty of your dog’s current food – if you run out on the trip, it may not be available there
• If your dog is fearful of other people or other dogs, protect him from them
• Choose the best pet friendly hotel/motel you can find (visit www.oregoncoast.com for pet friendly motels/hotels)
• And last (but maybe the most important), if traveling is traumatic for your dog, find a good care facility and leave him home.
I’m lucky to know the Lucky Leash Lady (she’s the chief dog walker and trainer you know). Even if you don’t know her yet, go to www.LuckyLeash.net and write to her and she’ll answer your questions.

Luv,
Sissy

Sissy's long lost uncle from Mexico

… from my distant relatives. This is what she wrote:

“Sissy, I didn’t get a picture of your cousins this trip south, sorry. But here’s a more distant relative who says hello from Mexico. Maybe when he comes to see the gang in Oregon, he’ll come take a ride with you. – Marilyn”

Thanks and keep in touch Marilyn. Lookin’ at that guy is the next best thing to being there.

Luv
Sissy

… February 12 – 14, 2010, at the Mount Angel Community Building (Biergarten) 500 S Wilco Highway in Mount Angel. Persons under 21 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult; after 9:00 pm, adults only. Free commemorative beer or wine glass with each paid entry (while supplies last). Special Mt. Angel restaurant $10 gift certificate to each lady on Valentine’s Day. Call 503-845-9440 or visit www. oktoberfest.org.

Friday, February 12 – 5:00 to 11:00 pm

5 – 8 pm The Oregon Polka Band

8 – 11 pm Mount Angel’s Own Z Musikmakers

Saturday, February 13 – Noon to 1:30 pm

Noon – 1:30 pm Alpine Echoes

1:30 – 3 pm Jagermeister Volksmusik

3 – 4:30 pm Alpine Echoes

4:30 – 8 pm Paul Smith’s Still Kickin’

8 – 11 pm Mount Angel’s Own Z Musikmakers

Sunday, February 14 – Noon – 6:00 pm

Noon – 2 pm The Greg Meier Alpine quartet

2 – 3 pm Jagermeister Volksmusik

3 – Closing Paul Smith’s Still Kickin’

Really don’t want you to miss this.

Luv

Sissy

… from last years blast of winter at Wurstfest and you will want to do two things.

… the old storyteller Bing Bingham checked in again. Tumbleweeds Grocery and Gas in Shaniko passed their last fire marshall inspection and now they are just calibrating the pumps so they can order the gas. Travel between Biggs Junction and Madras just got sweeter.